Simple Scratch Project

I've just finished writing up some assignment details for the first simple Scratch project I've used with various classes. For those of you not familiar with this program, Scratch  is a free open source computer program offered through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that allows users to create their own animations, stories, games, music, and art using colorful graphic interface. The program is receiving many kudos from a variety of educators and researchers for its ability to teach programming and problem solving skills in an engaging environment.

I'm learning the program along with the students. Or, in some cases, I'm learning the program from the students!

In order to focus the attention of students on a specific outcome using this program, here are the simple requirements I've given them for their first animation. Students are to complete an animation that....:

· Tells some sort of short story

· Uses at least two different sprites (image characters) and has them interact in some way

· Uses at least three different scripts (blocks of command tiles that are connected together – not merely three different programming commands)

· Uses at least two different backgrounds (HINT: Use the “Broadcast” command to help bring about background change.)

· Uses at least one sound to add to the effectiveness of the animation – either a sound already found in the Scratch file structure or one created using a microphone

Have you used Scratch with your students? If so, share your thoughts and ideas about how this program might be best used as a comment to this post.